So I know somedays we get SO busy that we feel like we haven't nurtured our little ones education at all. I think that even on these days things are ok as long as we remember to make the most out of whatever we are doing. So I will start with talking about the grocery store. One of my favorite things to do with Ella after picking her up from preschool.
I was highly impressed with Publix. One day, as I was walking through the store, I noticed little signs everywhere with "conversation starters" for moms to use with their children!
The grocery store is a GREAT place to introduce children to meaning in print, letters, sounds, shapes, and colors.
LET'S BREAK IT DOWN!
Meaning in Print: I can't say this enough - READ EVERYTHING TO YOUR CHILDREN. Read cereal boxes, bread bags, donuts, juice containers, etc. Point to the words and read them the title for everything. Soon even the youngest of tots will develop an understanding that those "funny shapes" also known as LETTERS have meaning in every day life.
Letters and Sounds: Point to letters and make their sounds. I have found this to be particularly succesful with items that Ella is familiar with. For example, point to the L on a Lucky Charms box and say, "Look, this is the letter L. Can you say L? L makes the 'L' sound." The best way for children to learn their letters and sounds is by frequent exposure.
Shapes and Colors: Take a trip down the produce aisle and talk about all of the colors that you see. Ask your child what other things have the same color. You can also point out many regular and irregular shapes all over the store. I know that at Publix your kids can get a free cookie. What a perfect opportunity to talk about circles!
-Overall the grocery store can provide multiple opportunities for conversation between you and your little one. Is it possible that bystanders might think you are crazy for talking to your tiny tot with no response? SURE IT IS. But you will be having fun and so will your baby - so JUST KEEP TALKING!
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